By: Rahila Ovais

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The Prophet (s) said:

“Whosoever fasts experiences two joys. He is joyful when he breaks his fast, and is joyful because of his fasting when he meets his Lord.” [Sahih Muslim]

After experiencing the pangs of hunger and thirst (more than 18 hours this year in Toronto), Iftaar is a time of happiness and refreshment. In many cultures, fast is mostly broken with dates, a light soup with bread or small side dishes. As breaking the fast is followed immediately by the Maghrib prayer; in many parts of the world, including Canada and the US, breaking fast is observed in congregation in mosques and homes.  Here are seven  important adaab of iftar to keep in mind.

  1. Narrated by our Prophet Muhammad (SAW): “Break your fast with a date, or with water because it is pure.” [Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi]

  1. The following two du`as are recommended to be recited when breaking the fast:

  • Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alayka tawakkaltu wa ala rizq-ika-aftartu:  O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance [Abu Dawud]
  • Dhahab az zamaa’u wab tallatil urooqu wa thabat al-ajru Insha-Allah:  The thirst has vanished, the veins have been wetted and the reward is established – Insha-Allah. [Abu Dawud]

  1. The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said;  “My nation will remain in goodness as long as they break the fast as soon as it is due.” [Muslim]

  1. It is offensive and unhealthy to stuff the stomach with food after fasting. The Prophet (s) said: “Enough for a human being to have (from 3 to 9 mouthfuls) that prop up his spine and, if he must have more [in his stomach], then one third of food, one third of water, and one third of air.”

  1. Avoid foods that cause bad breath (such as garlic and onions), belching and gas, out of respect for the mosques and those who attend them.

  1. In most cultures the hours before iftar are spent in the kitchen preparing extravagant amounts of foods thereby missing the opportunity of asking from Allah in one of the most precious times.  The time after Asr’ prayers and before sunset have been advised by our prophet as ‘time to ask for what you wish from Allah and Glorify Him’

  1. While inviting friends and family for iftar party, we must also bear in mind the above and avoid idle talk before iftar. This time should be dedicated to duaa and recitation of Quran.

 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said;

“There are three people whose ‘Du’a’ is not rejected; the fasting person until he breaks the fast, the just ruler, and the oppressed person, whose Dua Allah lifts above the clouds and opens unto it the doors of Jannah, and Allah says: “I swear by My Honour, verily I shall assist you, even though it may be after some time.” [Ahmad and Tirmidhi]

 About the Author:

Rahila Ovais is a mother to four ranging from 20 to 5 years old. She’s called Jeddah, KSA, where she was born and Karachi, Pakistan, where she was brought up, her homes before moving to Toronto twenty years ago. She is also a very opinionated person who has a hard time keeping her thoughts to herself. You can follow her on Facebook: HijabiMommy.